The Musica Riva Italian international festival presented Armenian music on Tuesday.

The State Youth Orchestra of Armenia, headed by the Artistic Director and Principal Conductor Sergey Smbatyan, performed at the concert, entitled “Armenia-Italy: Bridge between East and West” and devoted to the 110th anniversary of great Armenian composer Aram Khachaturian. The soloists were Elena Tansky (violin, Austria), Lusine Mkrtchyan (soprano, Armenia).

The evening of Armenian music at the square, which was full of audience, was followed by a thunderous applause. The Youth Orchestra performed the Violin Concerto by Aram Khachaturian, excerpts from the “Spartacus” and “Gayane” ballets. The concert of the Armenian music was attended by Ambassador Armenia to Italy Sargis Ghazaryan, and the mayor of Riva del Garda. Almost the entire city accepted a two-hour concert enthusiastically.

He State Youth Orchestra of Armenia is invited to the festival as its official orchestra. Participation in such musical holiday has become possible thanks to joint efforts of the Armenian Ministry of Culture, founder Arthur Varzhapetyan of “Luding” Company, and many other friends.

Within the framework of the festival, the Youth Orchestra also performed with the world-renowned pianist Aldo Ciccolini, cellist Natalia Gutman (conductor Isaac Karabchevsky).

On July 27, the orchestra performed works by Verdi and Wagner (conductor Marco Boemi). The soloists were Michela Sburlati (soprano), Nkosazana Dimande (soprano), and Eung Kwang Lee (baritone).

On Thursday, the State Youth Orchestra of Armenia will perform with Fedor Roudine (violin), the winner of the Grand Prix of 8th Aram Khachaturian International Competition. On Saturday, the Orchestra will present the “Requiem” by Verdi, conducted by Isaac Karabchevsky. The soloists are Nkosazana Dimande (soprano), Anna Viktorova (soprano), Khachatur Badalyan (tenor), and Evgeny Stavinsky (bass).

It is noteworthy that the Musica Riva festival is based on a thirty-year history of unique and well-established traditions, and each year it brings together world-renowned orchestras, soloists, dance groups, choirs, and representatives of the art of music from around the world.